Phillies Acquire RH Lincoln from Toronto for Kratz

Amid the flurry of moves throughout the major leagues today, the Phillies got involved by acquiring Brad Lincoln from the Toronto Blue Jays for Erik Kratz and lefty Rob Rasmussen.

Lincoln, 28, had a 3.98 ERA in 22 appearances with the Jays last season. He doesn’t strike many guys out, averaging 7.1-per-nine in 2013, and struggled after being dealt to Toronto from Pittsburgh in 2012.

Kratz, a fan favorite in the Delaware Valley, posted 18 homer over the last two seasons with the Phillies, filling in as a starter at times when Carlos Ruiz was unavailable. He became expendable with today’s signing of backstop Wil Nieves.

Also involved in the deal is Rasmussen, who was brought over from the Dodgers for Michael Young.